Driving Tips > Safety Columns
Keeping school zones safe
Across Manitoba, parents drop off and pick up children at school every day. We need to make sure that we’re not creating hazards in school zones.
Remember the school zone rules
Travel slowly and be prepared to stop when children are on or near the road, or when you’re close to a school or playground zone. It’s illegal to pass a moving vehicle in a school zone within 15 minutes of school opening or closing or any time that children are on the grounds.
Watch for the safety patrol
School safety patrollers – identified by their blaze orange vests – play a vital role in directing children across the street. Respect the work they do.
Keep out of no-parking zones
Don’t park or stop in “no parking” areas to drop your children off or pick them up. You might be blocking other vehicles or obstructing the view of children crossing the street. This is especially true at schools located on narrow streets.
If you have small children, it’s better to park properly a little further away and walk them to the door, rather than trying to pull up right in front of the school.
Respect school bus rules
When a school bus’ red lights are flashing, it means no passing. Don’t park or stop in the school bus loading zone – keep it clear for buses.
Clear the air on idling
When picking up or dropping off children, some drivers wait with their cars idling, wasting fuel and fouling the air. Remember, if you stop for longer than 10 seconds, it’s more fuel efficient to shut off your engine, and re-start when it’s time to go.
For more information, watch
The 60-Second Driver on CTV, or visit the following sections on this website:
- School Zones in Driving Tips
- Child Safety in Driving Tips
- You can access the 60-Second video on School Patrols directly
